News and Events @ American University Washington College of Law August 2011

 

Dear Alumni,

Welcome to the new Alumni e-newsletter!

In an effort to keep you better informed of current events, trends, and headlines at Washington College of Law, your new monthly electronic newsletter is a combination of the past Legal Eagle and WCL communications newsletter in one. The newsletter gives you a glimpse into program, faculty, staff, student, and alumni news.

This month, I want to remind you about your WCL benefits that continue long after graduation, with an emphasis on class audit. Alumni may audit up to two classes per semester for a fee of $100 per class. All applications must go through the Alumni office and be approved by the registrar. For full details and the registration page, click here.

In addition, our Moot Court Honor Society is already gearing up for their October competition and is in need of alumni volunteers.

Click on the links throughout the newsletter to find out more about what is going on at WCL.

Have a great end to your summer,

Shelly Horn, Director of Alumni Relations

 

Dean Grossman Welcomes Fall 2011 Class

Last week, Dean Claudio Grossman welcomed new and returning JD, LL.M., and SJD students to the law school as new students took part in orientation activities to kick off the 2011-12 academic year. Grossman discussed many of the law school's newest initiatives and gave a preview of the upcoming year. His official welcome to students is available here.

American University Washington College of Law welcomed new faculty members Amanda Leiter, L. Song Richardson, and Jonas Anderson to the full-time faculty. In addition to these appointments, the law school's Professor Stephen I. Vladeck has been named the Associate Dean for Scholarship beginning this fall. A total of seven visiting professors and practitioners-in-residence will join the law school faculty this semester as well. MORE

Nancy Polikoff Named 2011 Dan Bradley Award Recipient

The National LGBT Bar Association has awarded Nancy Polikoff, professor of law, the 2011 Dan Bradley Award. The award recognizes the efforts of a member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender legal community whose work has led the way for LGBT equality under the law. This award is the Bar's highest honor, and is named after Attorney Dan Bradley, the first chair of the ABA's Committee for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Nancy's career-long work in support of LGBT families includes the much-praised book Beyond (Straight and Gay) Marriage: Valuing All Families Under the Law. The 2011 Dan Bradley Award will be presented on Sept. 8, 2011, as part of the Lavender Law Conference in Los Angeles.

Chilean Miners Visit Law School Near Anniversary of Mine Collapse

On Thursday, Aug. 4, Dean Claudio Grossman and colleagues at Washington College of Law received a visit from four of the Chilean miners who endured 69 days trapped underground after the San Jose gold and copper mine collapsed on Aug. 5, 2010. The four miners presented Grossman with a Chilean flag signed by all 33 of the rescued men. MORE

September 11th Anniversary Event to Feature Panel of National Security Experts

American University Washington College of Law will host Ten Years After 9/11: The Changing Terrorist Threat, Sept. 8, 2011 from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. The program will feature keynote speaker Michael Leiter, director of the National Counterterrorism Center from 2007 to 2011. A panel of national security experts will follow the speaker including: Ivan Fong, general counsel of the Department of Homeland Security, Lisa Monaco, assistant attorney general for the National Security Division, and professors Kenneth Anderson and Stephen Vladeck. Daniel Marcus, fellow in Law and Government, will moderate the event. Register now.

International JD Dual Degree Program Gives Students a Competitive Advantage Abroad

The International Dual Degree Program allows students to earn a JD equivalent degree while immersing themselves in new countries and cultures. Through partnerships with Monash University Law School, Australia; University of Ottawa Common Law Section, Canada; and Université Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense, France, students can study abroad and familiarize themselves with different legal systems, participate in international internships, and take advantage or networking and career opportunities in their host country. Read more about student experiences in the program.

Stephen Wermiel to Serve as Chair of ABA Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities

Professor Stephen Wermiel, associate director of the Summer Institute on Law & Government and a fellow in Law & Government, was named chair-elect of the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities at the organization's annual meeting in Toronto this month. Wermiel will serve as chair-elect until the conclusion of the ABA annual meeting in 2012, when he will begin his yearlong role as chair of the section. The Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities guides the ABA in areas such as human rights, civil liberties, and social justice.

The Law School's Lawyer Re-Entry Program Enters 4th Year

The Lawyer Re-Entry Program, a six-week program for professionals looking to renew their legal careers, is entering its 4th year of operation at American University Washington College of Law. The program combines instruction by law school faculty, interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and even one-on-one professional coaching for participants. The Program is co-sponsored by the Women's Bar Association of DC, the National Association of Women Lawyers, and the DC Volunteer Lawyers Project. Read MORE about the program, session dates, and application process.